Phytochemical Constituents and Toxicity Profile of Medicinal Plants Used as Galactagogues in Niger Republic

Abstract

The increasing popularity and use of medicinal plants by breastfeeding mothers to promote lactation continue to draw the attention of healthcare professionals and other scientists in knowing more about the composition, benefits, and potential adverse effects of these plants after consumption. The objectives of this review were to assess the chemical constituents and toxicity profile of medicinal plants used as galactagogues in Niger republic. Relevant data about the plant species used to promote lactation were extracted from published literatures which were searched through refutable scientific databases or platforms. Eighty two (82) out of One hundred and fifty three (153) published studies were selected and reviewed for the purpose. Evaluated plant species include Faidherbia albida, Acacia nilotica, Adansonia digitata, Balanites aegyptiaca, Boscia salicifolia, Cucumis ficifolius, Euphorbia aegyptiaca, Gisekia pharnacioides, Guiera senegalensis, Prosopis africana, Sclerocarya birrea, Tephrosia purpurea. Several reports have emphasized the richness of these plants species in various chemical constituents with phenolic acids and flavonoids as the most representative. Slight to deleterious side effects that could arise after the ingestion of certain plant species in experimental animals were recorded. Only two plant species were reported to produce a positive effect on promoting milk production. None of the cited plants have been evaluated in clinical studies involving lactating women as subject of study. Globally, the findings highlighted that there are some significant gaps in both preclinical and clinical studies to support the ethnopharmacological indication of these plant species. Locally-based clinical studies are urgently needed to identify and confirm the efficacy and safety of these plants for the benefit of lactating mothers.